Football Federation Australia (FFA) has today found each of Ernie Merrick, Marco Kurz and Ersan Gulum guilty of breaching FFA’s National Code of Conduct (the Code) following various separate incidents in Round 20 of the Hyundai A-League.

Ernie Merrick

FFA has determined that Newcastle Jets Head Coach, Ernie Merrick, has breached the Code in relation to public comments he made immediately after the conclusion of the Hyundai A-League Round 20 match between Newcastle Jets and Western Sydney Wanderers FC on 16 February 2018.

Merrick was provided with the opportunity to make a submission to FFA in response to allegations his public comments may have been in breach of the Code. Merrick made submissions and after considering the submissions, FFA has determined that Merrick has breached clauses 2.1, 5.1(a) and 6.1(a) of the Code and he has been issued with a $3000 fine.

In determining the sanction, FFA took into account that Merrick took responsibility for his comments, acknowledged that his comments were not constructive and reaffirmed with FFA that he understands his responsibilities as a head coach.

Marco Kurz

FFA has determined that Adelaide United Head Coach, Marco Kurz (Kurz) has breached the Code in relation to public comments he made immediately after the Hyundai A-League Round 20 match between Adelaide United and Central Coast Mariners on 17 February 2018.

Kurz was provided with the opportunity to make a submission to FFA in response to allegations his public comments may have been in breach of the Code. Kurz made submissions and after considering the submissions, FFA has determined that Kurz has breached clauses 2.1, 5.1(a) and 6.1(a) of the Code and he has been issued with a $3000 fine.

In determining the sanction, FFA took into account that Kurz apologised for his public comments, was very remorseful and reaffirmed with FFA that he understands his responsibilities as a head coach.

Marco Kurz

Ersan Gulum

FFA has determined that Adelaide United Player, Ersan Gulum (Gulum) has breached the Code in relation to conduct he engaged in with the Fourth Official after being issued with a direct red card in the Hyundai A-League Round 20 match between Adelaide United and Central Coast Mariners on 17 February 2018.

Gulum was provided with the opportunity to make a submission to FFA in response to allegations his conduct may have been in breach of the Code. Gulum made submissions and after considering the submissions, FFA has determined that Gulum has breached clauses 2.1 and 6.1(a) of the of the Code and he has been issued with a $1000 fine.

In determining the sanction, FFA took into account that Gulum apologised for his actions and expressed regret for his conduct towards the Match Officials.

Each of Merrick, Kurz and Gulum have seven (7) business days to appeal FFA’s respective determinations, should they wish to do so.